Thanks to Gwynn, Sale an anti-tobacco voice

CHICAGO — The primary goal for Chris Sale was paying tribute to Tony Gwynn, one of the game’s most talented and beloved players. But the White Sox hurler also had a personal message to deliver in San Diego in relation to the Padres’ legend.

In a very sincere way, Sale felt as if Gwynn saved his life — although he never met him.

Sale stopped chewing tobacco the day that Gwynn passed away at age 54 after a battle with salivary gland cancer on June 16, 2014. He made that point at a July 11 All-Star Game news conference to announce the lineups when a question was asked about Gwynn’s impact, and the American League starting pitcher took the microphone.

Approximately one month later, with Sale going after win No. 15 on Tuesday night in Kansas City, the White Sox ace remains pleased in being able to express this sentiment.

“A lot of times when something bad happens, you always try to find the good,” Sale told MLB.com during a recent interview. “And Tony Gwynn made me stop dipping: 100 percent. I’ve been told by numerous other people to quit, and I never did.

“He passed away and it was 100 percent because of him. And that was huge. I know what he meant to the game of baseball and I know …

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